What are natural cosmetics?
Natural cosmetics are the answer to the growing ecological awareness of consumers. In the composition, they contain mineral raw materials, natural ingredients of plant or animal origin. The most popular raw materials of plant origin include for example, vegetable oils, essential oils, herb extracts, natural dyes and natural emulsifiers. On the other hand, the most popular animal raw materials used in the production of natural cosmetics include beeswax, royal jelly and lanolin.
Physical methods such as pressing, filtration, distillation, extraction and drying, are desirable in the process of obtaining ingredients for use in the production. These methods affect the preservation of the nutritional value of the ingredients. The use of cosmetic raw materials generated in bio-technical processes is also allowed. As a result, we obtain, among others, hyaluronic acid.
How do you know that a products is all natural?
Specialist certification bodies, such as Cosmebio, BDIH, Soil Association, Ecocert and ICEA, verify the “naturalness” of cosmetics. In order to obtain the title of a natural cosmetic confirmed by an appropriate certificate, the product must meet the criteria set out in the regulations of the given organisation.
Prohibited products in all organisations are:
Petroleum derivatives (mineral oil, paraffin, petroleum jelly)
PEG and PPG
Parabens
Silicones
Phenoxyethanol
SLS and SLES
Synthetic fragrances and colouring
Some of the natural cosmetics contain preservatives in their composition. However, these measures are safe and approved for use by certifying authorities.
These include:
Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate
Benzyl alcohol
Salicylic acid
Sorbic acid
Dehydroacetic acid
Natural cosmetics, in order to bring the expected results, must be selected accordingly to the complexion. They are increasingly being used in daily care or as an alternative to aesthetic medicine and cosmetology treatments. You can find a great selection of natural hair and skincare products here.
